Ella Ree Rutledge Johnson was born to the late Bertha Bloom Rutledge and Sam Rutledge in Lancaster, SC on February 12, 1932. She was the fourth of eight children.

She was educated in Lancaster County and Forsyth County. She began working at an early age in the area she loved, cooking. She worked for years at Little Rex Café, Hucks and finally, Corbin's Café. She truly enjoyed cooking for others.

Ella Ree met and married the late Nathaniel Johnson, Sr., and to their union, five children were born. She was a dedicated mother to her children for all of their lives.

She joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and served there wholeheartedly during her younger days on the Nurse's Board and Cooking Committee, jobs she thoroughly enjoyed.

Ella Ree passed away peacefully on August 17, 2023 at Trellis Supportive Care after 91 beautiful years as a strong warrior for her Lord and Savior. She was predeceased by her parents; husband; one daughter, Mrs. Gwendolyn Johnson Martin; sisters, Mrs. Ruth Alexander, Mrs. Lucy Johnson, Mrs. Ruby Roundtree and Ms. Irene Rutledge; two brothers, Mr. Lewis Rutledge and Mr. Jimmy T. Rutledge.

She is survived by her loving children, Nathaniel Johnson, Jr. of Raleigh, NC, Michael Johnson (Sheila) of Apex, NC; daughters, Brenda Johnson (Eddie), Karen Clement of the home; one brother, Charlie F. Rutledge (Yvonne) of Buffalo, NY; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Mable Rutledge; eight grandchildren, Angela Person (Mike), Debbie Waddell, John Martin, Jr., Tricie Martin, Dameon Smith, Jaris Johnson, Richard Clement, Jr., all of Winston-Salem, NC and Jade Johnson of Apex, NC; nineteen great grands, twelve great-great grands; a host of nieces, nephews and several cousins.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm, Friday August 25, 2023 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm-1:00 pm at the church Friday. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Her remains may be viewed Thursday August 24, 2023 from 12pm-6pm at the funeral home.